Nucleopolyhedrosis virus, a disease of lightbrown apple moth larvae

The nucleopolyhedrosis virus of lightbrown apple moth is widespread in orchard soils but occurs at only low levels in natural populations of this leafroller. High mortality from the virus has been rarely reported in the field. Nevertheless, this virus can be mass produced for biological control, and has been tested as a spray for lightbrown apple moth control with promising results. It is specific to lightbrown apple moth. Infected larvae are pale and discoloured as shown here, instead of the typical olive green colour.